55 Recipes That Prove How Versatile Canned Tomatoes Are

These nacho bites are a fun fusion of Greek appetizers and flavors of the American Southwest. The simple dipping sauce is a perfect match—the ranch balances out the heat of the jalapeno and chipotle peppers—and takes the recipe to the next level. —Angela Spengler, Niceville, Florida

This beautiful holiday dish is a big hit at our house. We serve it on wheat or other crispy crackers. Cranberries and various forms of chile peppers combine to make a very nice sweet-heat treat. —Diane Smith, Pine Mountain, Georgia

The bounty of peppers found at the local farmers market in the early fall, combined with some standard Greek ingredients, creates a dish that bursts with color and fresh flavor. —Renee Murby, Johnston, Rhode Island

I am always looking for creative ways to make vegetarian dinners a little different. I grow my own basil, and avocados are a versatile favorite, so this recipe is a fantastic way to make manicotti that's a little unusual. —Jennifer Coduto, Kent, Ohio

I came up with this sandwich while trying to figure out what to make for lunch one day. This chicken avocado wrap recipe is now a favorite at my house. —Shiva Houshidari, Plano, Texas

This shrimp paella recipe is not only healthy but satisfying, too! There's vitamin C from the sweet red pepper, fiber from the rice, and the chicken sausage is a great source of lean protein. — Daniel Bartholomay, Fargo, North Dakota

I’ve had this recipe for more than 42 years, but have updated it from time to time. This is an easy party favorite, and everyone loves the taquito dippers. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

With a family, full-time load at college and a part-time job, the slow cooker's my best friend when it comes to getting hot and homemade meals like this one on the table.

A rich blend of treasured spices flavors tender, nutritious bulgur and chickpeas in a tangy, nutritious stew that has just the right amount of heat. A hint of sweetness from golden raisins is the perfect accent. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California

This casserole is perfect for a special brunch. It combines the spices of the Southwest with the comfort of a hearty breakfast. You can spice it up by adding cayenne and hot peppers, or mellow it by replacing the tomatoes and green chilies with mild salsa. It’s versatile and easy—no wonder it’s a longtime family favorite. —Darlene Buerger, Peoria, Arizona

Pile the spaghetti squash on top of these Italian-style pulled pork sandwiches so it looks like a haystack. It’s so fun your kids won’t know they’re eating vegetables.—Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

This tasty vegetable side dish can set a chilling scene on Halloween if you style it to look like a brain—try adding spiders and spiderwebs to your table setting. You can also serve it on Thanksgiving and pair it with the turkey and dressing. The festive orange sauce takes some time, but it tastes incredible.—Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Treat holiday guests to elegant comfort food at its best. Our osso bucco beef boasts a thick, savory sauce complemented by the addition of gremolata, a chopped herb condiment made of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin

This is not a drill! These buffalo chicken enchiladas, filled with tender rotisserie chicken and lots of cheese—and, of course, Buffalo sauce—will be the most craveable, easy and delicious meal you've ever tasted. The entire family will ask for them again and again. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri

A friend gave me the idea to use V8 juice in veggie soup because it provides more flavor. My best vegetable soup recipe, this homemade meal is great to prepare on a crisp autumn afternoon. —Janice Steinmetz, Somers, Connecticut

I've taken my mother's turkey chili recipe and made it thicker and more robust. It's a favorite, especially in fall and winter. —Celesta Zanger, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

My son named this "pizza rice" after I threw together a quick dinner from what I had in the fridge and pantry. Add any other pizza topping ingredients you desire. I often add black olive slices or mushrooms. Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

When the snow begins falling, I make a heartwarming stew with pork ribs and hominy. This is a fill-you-up recipe of lightly spiced comfort. —Genie Gunn, Asheville, North Carolina

This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can't find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are great, too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin

I updated this chicken and rice dish by adding veggies and cashews to give it fresh and crunchy appeal. The green chilies in the tomatoes give it just the right little kick, but if you really like spice, add fresh, diced jalapeño. —Denise Klibert, Shreveport, Louisiana

If you're looking for recipes with turkey sausage, stop here. This has the perfect blend of meaty, veggie and cheesy goodness. You'll be craving what's good for you when this pasta dish is on the menu. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin

These boats are not only healthy, they're basically a one-dish meal that covers all the bases—just grab your favorite garden goodies and add any spices or mix-ins you like. —Janie Zirbser, Mullica Hill, New Jersey

Over the years I’ve tweaked this recipe to end up with a wonderful, quick weeknight meal. Feel free to spice it up with jalapenos, if you prefer a little more heat. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

This is a unique and easy way to cook spaghetti squash. Be sure the squash is on the small or medium side so that it fits into the slow cooker after being cut in half. —Melissa Brooks, Sparta, Wisconsin

Make your next office party a taco bar or burrito bar! Set out the beef in the slow cooker on warm, along with tortillas, bowls of shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, and chopped lettuce, jalapenos, onions and tomatoes. For a variation, I make Beef & Bean burritos by mixing a can of refried beans into 3 or 4 cups of cooked beef filling. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio

A dinner that comes together in one skillet is always a winner. This one's filled with easy-to-find ingredients and is done before you know it. Dig in! —Lisa Montgomery, Elmira, Ontario

I’m originally from Louisiana, where my grandma spoke Cajun French as she taught me her spicy chicken spaghetti, lovingly made on an old woodstove. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi

A tropical twist on a takeout favorite, this slow-cooker creation is simple, satisfying and destined to become a new family favorite! —Shannon Kohn, Simpsonville, South Carolina

I eliminated beans from my standard chili recipe and added peanut butter and peanuts just for fun. Wow, it was amazing! Tried it on my family and they all loved it. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

I love the tender texture of pork chops from the slow cooker! The flavor of this sauce is similar to barbecue, but with a little extra kick. The crispy onions on top add a delectable crunch. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Tomatoes and red pepper flakes add spicy zing to these saucy eggs. Serve them with toasted bread or sauteed polenta rounds for an unforgettable morning meal. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

European immigrants brought their favorite stuffed cabbage recipes to the New World in the late 19th century. This Hungarian cabbage rolls recipe is one of my favorites.—Katherine Stefanovich, Desert Hot Springs, California

A wonderful crust layered with herbed tomato sauce and toppings encourages my family of six to dig right in to this low-fat main course. —Denise Warner, Red Lodge, Montana

I've always heard that it’s important to eat a rainbow of colors to get all of the nutrients we need. Thanks to my garden-grown veggies, this dish certainly fits the bill. —Nicole Ehlert, Burlington, Wisconsin

My German mother would occasionally cook dishes that were not traditional German recipes. One of my favorites was her Curry Chicken Soup. I've added my own touches to it, such as the chickpeas, coconut milk and fresh cilantro.—Deanna Hindenach, Paw Paw, Michigan

This recipe has become a regular at our church potlucks. Let's just say I'm "in trouble" if I show up at a get-together and they don't appear! For a fun dinner spin, try these sausages and kraut over mashed potatoes. —Patsy Unruh, Perryton, Texas

While traveling through Morocco, my wife and I fell in love with the complex flavors of the many tagines we tried. Resist the urge to stir this dish too much, as it will break down the veggies. Add shredded cooked chicken in the last 10 minutes, or serve with grilled fish. —Raymond Wyatt, West St. Paul, Minnesota

My husband and I love to have a hot breakfast, but find it difficult with two kids. This dish is excellent to prepare the night before and bake the next day for your family or to take into work to share with co-workers—there are never any leftovers.—Jennifer Berry, Lexington, Ohio

Chloe, my 3-year-old, is a big fan of these healthy peppers, which have a great thyme flavor. She likes to help mix the ingredients and make meals with me. —Jennifer Kent, Media, Pennsylvania

I was really glad to find this recipe since it's a great way to use round steak and it picks up fabulous flavor from one of my favorite herbs - tarragon. I am a homemaker with three children and enjoy cooking tasty dinners like this one for my family. —Lorna Dickau, Vanderhoof, British Columbia

I created this recipe after returning home from a trip and finding little food in the house. I used ingredients already available in the refrigerator and pantry. My husband loves this pork dish because it's tasty, and I love it because it's easy. —Allison Gapinski, Cary, North Carolina

I've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida

Raita, an Indian condiment made with yogurt, elevates this vegetarian dish to a satisfying gourmet wrap. If you're in the mood to experiment, try diced mango or cucumber for the pineapple and add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia

Throughout Vietnam there are many kinds of soups, “canh,” served all year long. I particularly love enjoying this warm, flavorful bowl of Vietnamese chicken soup on laid-back weekends, but it's also great packed in a thermos for lunch. It's the perfect bok choy soup, too! —Brenda Watts, Gaffney, South Carolina

I have been serving this Mexican chicken with Doritos casserole for years and it's a favorite of my friends and family. It's sure to disappear quickly at potlucks. —Thom Britton, Three Rivers, Michigan

On chilly days, I doctor up grits and top them with shrimp for a comfy meal. If you’re not a seafood lover, use chicken, ham or both. —Jerri Gradert, Lincoln, Nebraska

When the weather's too chilly to grill burgers, I whip up a big pot of this cheesy pasta. Believe it or not, it tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger, and it's much easier for my young children to enjoy. —Carly Terrell, Granbury Texas

I love this Asian take on the classic one-pot meal. It's quick, easy, nutritious and delicious. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Beefy and bubbly, this Southwestern pasta bake heats up the dinner hour with a peppery bite. —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

My girls have always loved seafood, so I invented a shrimp dish with coconut milk and ginger. They raved; I was delighted. It's great with jasmine rice. —Sharon Scaletta, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

After enjoying a similar dish at a Spanish tapas restaurant, my husband and I were eager to make our own version of this saucy chicken at home. If I want to make it extra healthy, I remove the skin from the chicken after browning. —Ryan Haley, San Diego, California

These Walking Tacos are great for an on-the-go dinner, campfire meal or easy game night supper. The ingredients transform a bag of chips into a taco in a bag! —Beverly Matthews, Pasco, Washington

Cheeseburgers are delicious in any form, but I'm partial to this creamy pasta dish that seriously tastes just like the real thing. It's weeknight comfort in a bowl. —Tracy Avis, Peterborough, Ontario

If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana